Space Systems/ Principal Systems Engineer

Description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is looking for you to join our team as a Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3 based out of Fairfax, VA or Linthicum, MD.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and implementation of reusable software components for a multi‑variant product line.
• Elicit, analyze, and document system‑level functional and non‑functional requirements for the entire product family.
• Maintain a traceability matrix linking requirements to design, implementation, and verification artifacts.
• Conduct requirement reviews with cross‑functional stakeholders (hardware, firmware, QA, product management) and drive consensus.
• Define, develop, and maintain ICDs for all hardware‑software and software‑software interfaces.
• Create detailed use‑case diagrams, activity flows, and sequence diagrams that capture user interactions and internal processes.
• Collaborate with Agile teams to translate requirements into user stories, backlog items, and sprint deliverables.
• Oversee integration testing, validation, and verification of system‑level functionality across product variants.
• Continuously assess and improve engineering processes, tooling, and documentation standards.

This requisition may be filled as either a level 2 or a level 3.

Basic Qualifications

For Systems Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 0 years of experience

For Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience; PhD and 0 years of relevant experience

• Active TS/SCI clearance required at time of application
• Ability to elicit, analyze, and document system‑level requirements (functional & non‑functional).
• Experience with or knowledge of creating and managing traceability matrices linking requirements to design, code, and verification.
• Familiarity with interface control documents (ICDs) and experience defining hardware‑software and software‑software interfaces.
• Working knowledge of modeling languages/tools for use‑case, activity, and sequence diagrams.
• Experience working in or familiarity with Agile/Scrum environments, including backlog grooming and sprint planning.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work successfully with cross‑functional teams.
• Proficient in version‑control systems and collaborative development tools (Jira, Confluence, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with families of products that share a common software platform (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical devices).
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Certification in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE CSEP) or Agile (e.g., CSM, SAFe).
• Familiarity with model‑based development (MBSE) and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler or IBM Rhapsody.
• Programming proficiency in C/C++, Python, or Rust for embedded development.
• Knowledge of safety and compliance standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 26262, FDA 21 CFR 820).
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $171,000.00

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business